Square Aluminium Stair Nosing 2.75m, 56 x 32mm, Single PVC Insert

This is the everyday square-edged nosing for commercial and domestic stairs finished in vinyl, lino or lightweight carpet. A 56mm tread leg carries one full-width slip-resistant insert, and a 32mm riser leg wraps the front of the step: enough to protect the edge and show a band of contrast, without the deep face of a heavy-duty profile.

It comes from the manufacturer's standard range, which they class as Building Regulations compliant, and is supplied in 2.75m (2750mm) lengths in 6 finishes and 15 insert colours.

Why this profile works

Square edge for square steps

Concrete, screed and square-nosed timber steps want a profile that sits flat on the tread and flush down the riser. The crisp 90-degree corner does that, protects the most vulnerable part of the step and gives a clean line across the flight.

A 3.5mm gauge sets the floors it suits

The gauge is the depth your floorcovering has to meet behind the nosing. At 3.5mm it lines up with sheet vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet, so the covering finishes flush with the back of the profile instead of leaving a lip. For medium-weight or heavy carpet, use a 5mm gauge heavy duty profile instead.

Contrast where it counts

With 56mm on the tread and 32mm on the riser, the nosing puts a visible band on both faces of the step. Guidance for accessible stairs asks for a permanently contrasting step edge, so pick a finish and insert colour that stand out against your floorcovering. The insert is replaceable, so a worn strip does not mean lifting the aluminium.

• Square edge aluminium profile, 56mm tread x 32mm riser, 3.5mm gauge
• Single insert channel with a replaceable slip-resistant PVC insert
• 2.75m (2750mm) stock length, cut to step width on site
• 6 aluminium finishes x 15 insert colours

Where it's used

Shops, cafes and small offices, surgeries and clinics, community halls, flats and HMOs, and the back-of-house stairs of larger buildings. It also takes exterior-grade inserts, so it can be used on covered outside steps at an entrance or fire exit.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Finish. Mill Finish is plain, untreated aluminium and the most economical choice for back-of-house and service stairs. Bright Polished gives a reflective silver edge. Satin Gold, Dark Bronze and Satin Black are colour finishes that suit wood, stone-effect and dark contemporary floors. Mirrorflect Gold is a mirror-bright gold for feature and front-of-house stairs, and it costs the most.

Insert colour. Choose it against the floorcovering. For a visible step edge, pick an insert that is clearly lighter or darker than the floor. For a low-key look, match the tone of the floor. Hazard is a black-and-yellow warning insert and is priced higher than the plain colours because it is a premium insert.

Length. The 2.75m length is one of three stocked lengths (2.44m and 3.22m are the others). Pick the one that cuts into your step widths with the least waste.

Installation, use & care

Measure each step and cut the profile with a fine-toothed metal saw or a mitre saw fitted with a non-ferrous blade, then de-burr the ends. Dry-fit the nosing tight to the step edge with the riser leg down the face. Fix it by screwing through the tread leg with fixings suited to the substrate (plugs into concrete, wood screws into timber), bedding it on a suitable adhesive for a solid, rattle-free fit. Lay the floorcovering up to the back of the profile, then press the insert fully into its channel. Clean with a damp cloth and neutral detergent. Avoid abrasive pads on polished and coloured finishes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this nosing Building Regulations compliant?

The manufacturer classes this standard-range profile as Building Regulations compliant, and it carries a contrasting band on both the tread and the riser. Whether an installation passes also depends on the insert or finish contrasting with the floor, usually judged by light reflectance value (LRV), so confirm your colour choice with building control where it matters.

Which floors can I use it with?

Vinyl, lino and lightweight carpet. The 3.5mm gauge matches those thicknesses so the covering meets the back of the nosing flush. Medium-weight or thick carpet needs a 5mm gauge heavy duty profile.

Can I use it outside?

Yes, on covered steps, when ordered with an exterior-grade insert, which this profile accepts. The PVC inserts listed here are for internal use.

How many steps will one 2.75m length cover?

Divide 2750mm by your step width, allowing a few millimetres per cut. It is also stocked in 2.44m and 3.22m lengths if they cut your stair widths with less waste.

Ordering & delivery

Each variant is one 2.75m length in your chosen finish and insert colour, with the insert supplied. Order one length per group of steps it will cut into, and allow a spare where stair widths vary. Screws and adhesive are not included. We deliver to UK mainland addresses, with lead time and carriage shown at checkout. For long runs or mixed lengths, contact us and we can plan the cutting with you.